Best Alabama Grants for Nonprofits

The Legacy Environmental Education Grant Program aims to cultivate a legacy of environmental stewardship in Alabama. This program funds projects that educate and foster environmentally responsible citizens. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit organizations in the state, with a focus on feasibility, audience reach, and sustainability of the projects. Grants are evaluated on criteria such as project goals, budget, and public recognition of Legacy’s support, ensuring impactful contributions to environmental education.

The James E. Huffer and Betty J. Huffer Foundation aims to support non-profit organizations that enhance community welfare through educational, artistic, and humanitarian initiatives. The foundation prioritizes multidisciplinary efforts that demonstrate a strong commitment to regional service and impactful contributions. Focus areas include arts, environmental stewardship, health sciences, and youth education. Organizations must confirm tax-exempt status and provide financial documentation to be considered for funding.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

Alabama State Council on the Arts: Folk Arts Apprenticeships

Folk Arts Apprenticeships preserve and pass on Alabama’s living cultural heritage by funding teachers and students as traditional artistic skills and techniques are taught to new practitioners.

Examples of art forms that have been taught in this program include Sacred Harp singing, fiddling, pottery, oak basketry, and artistic traditions of more recent additions to the culture of Alabama, including Vietnamese Lion dance, piñata crafting, and Yoruba drumming.

Samples of work of both the master artist and apprentices are critical to the evaluation of applications. Only one individual, either the master artist or an apprentice, may submit the application and receive grant funds.

The range of the request amount for Folk Art Apprenticeship requests has been increased to $2,000-$4,000.

The Emergency Solutions Grant, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, aims to assist homeless individuals and victims of domestic abuse. With an expected allocation of approximately $2.76 million for PY2025, these funds will not be earmarked for specific purposes but require a dollar-for-dollar match from subrecipients. The state may forgive up to $100,000 of the match under extreme circumstances, taking into account the urgency and distress of applicants.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

The Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF) Program, managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), aims to stimulate research and development efforts in Alabama. By focusing on innovative projects, this program seeks to enhance employment opportunities and improve the quality of products and services available to residents. Through this initiative, Alabama aims to foster a robust research environment conducive to growth and economic development.

Alabama individual visual, media, and craft artists can access funding through the Alabama State Council on the Arts to advance their professional careers. This competitive fellowship program offers up to US $7,500 based on artistic merit, career achievement, and potential, supporting specific projects that demonstrate professional commitment and maturity.

ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.

The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds

All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Benefit at least 51% low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or clearance of slum and blight
• Meet an urgent need

The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.

Competitive Fund

ADECA annually awards CDBG money for the Large City, Small City and County categories. Applicants are scored based on several competitive factors including community need, cost efficiency, appropriateness and impact. Applications deadlines are announced during the annual workshop in the first quarter of the year.

Competitive categories are:

• Small City Fund (3,000 or less population)
• Large City Fund (>3,000 population)
• County Fund

Grant Ceiling

The Small City Fund has a ceiling of $400,000. The Large City Fund and County Fund both have ceilings of $500,000.

Typical Activities

• Water and sewer extensions and rehabilitation
• Housing rehabilitation
• Neighborhood & downtown revitalization
• Street and drainage improvements

ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.

The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds

All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Benefit at least 51% low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or clearance of slum and blight
• Meet an urgent need

The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.

Planning Fund

CED administers a small Planning Fund that allows communities to develop communitywide comprehensive plans and downtown revitalization plans.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Alabama RC&D Grants support community projects aimed at enhancing local resources and quality of life. They offer funding for both Education Fund Projects, which must include an educational component, and General Fund Projects, which do not. Eligible applicants include 501c3 non-profit organizations and government entities. With nine councils across Alabama, projects involving multiple councils may apply for statewide grants to maximize impact.

The Alabama Power Foundation offers Scholar Grants to support public school teachers in grades two to eight, providing funding up to $7,500 for professional development and instructional resources aimed at improving student achievement in math and English language arts. The program prioritizes schools demonstrating financial need, ensuring effective collaboration among teachers to enhance educational outcomes. With a focus on innovative teaching tools and ongoing professional growth, these grants aim to empower educators and foster student success.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Gateway Grants aim to enhance economic and cultural vibrancy in local communities. With funding up to $2,500, these grants support projects that promote civic pride, improve community aesthetics, and attract visitors. Eligible applicants include municipalities working on signage, website development, and marketing materials to showcase their unique offerings. This initiative invites new industries and neighbors to discover the rich heritage and beauty of Alabama, fostering growth and connection within its towns.

The Alabama Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing facility residents through innovative projects. Administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health, these funds support initiatives that go beyond normal operations, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations. Eligible organizations include consumer advocacy groups, family councils, and academic institutions. The CMP funds can be used for resident support, relocation expenses, and quality improvement projects, making a significant impact on care standards.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.